Little house cleaner

Little boy is growing up well and always want to help up nowadays! He is interested in every single thing in the house... rubbish to be thrown to dustbin, waste paper to be arranged in the storeroom, empty water bottles to be filled up, etc.

Our maid comes on every Sunday. That's the time he can help more because we allow him to 'wash' the car porch with the maid. Also, that's the time he can play more because we will just let him be, haha!



He is always alert and looking for empty buckets so that he can 'help' up. He helps by carrying the empty buckets around, telling us there is no more water inside. Sometimes he will pass to the father or maid to fill up, provided he has another empty bucket with him.



He lifted up the empty bucket not because he wanted to place it under the water tap, but because he wanted to carry it around the car porch. Sometimes he may even lift it up to cover his own head. That happened few times and made the two boys of my neighbour laughed out loud! That's really funny!



Jayden is such a lovely cheerful boy! He enjoys everything happens around him and loves to be one. I hope he is still the same when he grows up.

Thanks Jayden! Daddy and mummy appreciate your 'hard work'! Love you......

To the same friend

"hey , i just re-read the blog that you dedicated to me ... guess what .. i shed my tears again .....alot of memories suddenly across my mind :) anyway i really wishing you a great and happy NEW YEAR .....miss yeah ...."

Something caught my attention as I opened my gmail - a message from my friend! A friend who is always in my heart yet I hardly show my care.

I read the blog that I dedicated to her before she left to UK and the same feeling came back to me - To a friend! I wrote that with tears, and I read it now with tears still. Why do I bother to cry but don't bother to call? What a silly thing I have been doing all this while!!

"Wendy, I will call you after work today ya?! We should talk to each other instead of write... miss yeah too..."

Friendly boy

My little boy is always friendly. He waives to whoever since he learns to waive and the meaning of it. He is almost like a celebrity because he waives too much, ha! I remember one time when we were in the airport, taking flight back to Jo's hometown, he waived to whoever walked pass him. We ended up being the focus of a group of tourists from Middle East, and were requested to have a photo with them!

Since he learns to say "Hi", he says "Hi" at the same time he waives. Same thing, he waives and says "Hi" to whoever. When we are in the restaurant, we will put him into the baby chair. He will waive and say "Hi" to people sitting in all directions, right, left, front and back. He makes friends EVERYWHERE!

Now, his friends' list is extended to......



We were in the restaurant where he found something interesting!
"Cool... it can move!!"



"Hi..."



Ha... fishes this time!!!

In fact, now he waives and says "Hi" to whatever he finds interesting, characters in the TV show, dogs and cats, babies on the diapers packing, kids on the advertisement board roadside... I hope he can maintain his "friendliness" when he grows up.

Little boy's family game

My little boy likes to play with my big boy. Big boy plays all sorts of funny and creative games which the mother is not good at. He sometimes giggles, sometimes laughs out loud... and he demands for more when big boy stops. I like to see the boys playing together, it's their father and son game!

Since Jo is away most of the time nowadays, Jayden loses his very good playmate. But he is not feeling bored because he creates his own game. I guess his creativity must be coming from the father! He now plays his own family game!



Family Game
Things needed:
(1) Daddy's water bottle
(2) Mummy's water bottle
(3) Jayden's water bottle

Role:
(1) Daddy's water bottle will be Daddy
(2) Mummy's water bottle will be Mummy
(3) Jayden's water bottle will be Jayden

How to play:
(1) One by one, take Daddy, Mummy and Jayden from one place to another
(2) Place Jayden in the middle
(3) Place Daddy on the right to Jayden
(4) Place Mummy on the left to Jayden
(5) After (1) - (4) are done, say "Daddy", "Mummy" and "Jayden" then clap hand
(6) Repeat (1) - (5) until you feel bored then look for real mummy



Jayden likes playing this game! The way he places those bottles is exactly how we stand whenever we bring him out. Jo always holds his right hand and I always hold his left hand. Other than intimating how we stand, I guess he also knows that he is our centre of interest.

Missing Jo

Jo has moved to a new company. His new job requires him to be away from home frequently and his first project is to be away 5 days a week, i.e. Sunday to Thursday. I wasn't paying too much attention about it until he started travelling.

I am doing the same routine every weekday... Wake up in the morning and get myself ready to work, then wake up Jayden and bring him to my mother's house. Bring him back after work, shower him, play with him and read him books before bed, feed him and make him sleep, then go to bed. These are the same routine but... Jo is not watching TV or helping house chores downstairs when I am busy with Jayden, Jo is not sitting besides us when I am playing with Jayden or reading him books, Jo is not around to turn on the alarm and put on blanket on us when we fall asleep...

I am also doing the same routine every Sunday... Wake up early morning to prepare Jayden's meals, do some house chores before the rest wakes up, taking breakfast with Jayden, bath Jayden and play with him, feed him lunch then make him sleep, having some private time during Jayden afternoon nap, feed him dinner when he is awake, shower him, play with him and read him books before bed, feed him and make him sleep, then go to bed. Again the same routine but... Jo is not in the football field with his friends when Jayden is taking nap or when I'm enjoying my private time, Jo won't be back home for dinner with us on Sunday night, no more family day on Sunday...

I never expect myself to feel so lonely and sad when Jo needs to work away from home. In fact, I was the one kept pushing him out for oversea work. I think I must be too crazy or over estimated myself... I cried the moment he left home, that really surprised me! I realised I'm so Jo's wife now and I miss him very much! I know I will soon get use to it, but I'm not yet now...

Haru Zen

It's my big boy birthday! I decided to have a dinner with him without little boy messing around. Well, little boy won't really mess up things but he will keep demanding for food, and that may mess up our great dinner date.

Japanese food is one of our favourite cuisine. There is a new Japanese restaurant in town and we decided to give a try - Haruzen!



The restaurant is basically divided into two parts by a bamboo divider - one part is dining for group and another part is dining for two. There is also a bar section right after 'dining for two'.

This restaurant knows how to present their food, not to the extend of fine dining but close to. And I like the way the food was served as they all look nice and delicious. It brings excitement for someone who likes to eat!


Kanimaki and salmon maki

These were our appetiser. We all know how common these sushi are but they just look so much nicer than the one in Sushi King. Crab meat in kanimaki is not the normal crab stick we found in hypermarket, but a more high-end crab stick (although it is still a crab stick). Salmon is also fresh. I think the appetiser is quite ok.


Salmon sashimi

Salmon sashimi lover may like this restaurant because the salmon sashimi served here is very fresh and smooth. And obviously, it is thicker and bigger pieces than the others. Of course, the price is more expensive but I think it is still affordable. I couldn't remember whether they serve salmon belly sashimi, but if they do, I think it would be a must-try since their salmon sashimi is so fresh and nice.


Cawanmushi

Other than normal ingredients for a cawanmushi, they added lemon skin. Jo doesn't like it much but I find it is a plus point. I like the fragrance the lemon skin added into the cawanmushi, very refreshing! A smoothy cawanmushi mixes with crunchy refreshing lemon skin, how unique it is! Something different from the normal cawanmushi I had before.


Japenese garlic fried rice

Our another routine order for Japanese food is Japanese garlic fried rice. It is nothing better and I find it is not as tasty as it looks. It is a good fried rice if it is intended to be an egg fried rice. It is served in big portion and suitable for two if you have a lot of other dishes on the table.


Gindara cooked with miso paste

This is not Gindara Shioyaki (grilled cod fish) but Gindara with miso paste. I like Gindara and miso when they are served separately, but not the combination. The fish is fresh and texture is good, but the taste is not really what we expected. And I think the chef has overcooked it, look at the black parts! And the overcooked parts taste exactly like chinese barbecue pork (char siew). I find it odd to have chinese barbecue pork in a Japanese restaurant. Nevertheless, the presentation is good! At least it looks delicious and seductive when it is served!


Atka Saba Shioyaki

I loves Saba Shioyaki (grilled mackerel) and I wanted to try out Atka Saba Shioyaki. According to the waitress, it is a different type of saba from Hokkaido. I think I made a mistake because we both don't like it at all. It is not as juicy as saba shioyaki. In fact, it is very dry and taste like salted fish. Again, I think the chef has overcooked it because it is too dry and hard. I think it is the worst dish we had for that night. Well, maybe we just don't know how to appreciate it.

I think Haruzen may be a good place for sashimi but not for cooked dishes. Maybe I should try out their Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake / pizza) next time since it is their special dish. For those who would like to try out:



Haru Zen Japanese Restaurant
Lot G28, Ground Floor, IOI Boulevard,
Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya,
47170 Puchong, Selangor D.E.
Tel: 03 80766512

The Keg Bierhaus

It was one of the nights when we have some private dinner time without Jayden. Jo and I were in Puchong, just after we bought some jelly moon cake from Q Jelly... and we were deciding what to have for dinner. I was looking around while Jo was driving, and I found this bistro - The Keg Bierhaus.



When you walk in, you will see rows of old photos of Germany hanging on the wall, with descriptions and numbers of year. On the other side, a big mirror displaying current beer promotion for happy hour. Towards the end, hanging TV with football match on screen. So Germany and football... a good place for beer and football lovers! In fact, a great place for men!



The Keg Bierhaus is basically divided into three parts. The front right (if you are coming from the front door) is the bar side. It takes about a quarter of the bistro layout. Front to almost end left is the table side, where typical Germany high chairs and tables are in rows. Then, a small part at the end is the sofa area.



We were sitting at the table side. Sitting on high chair and looking around the bistro was quite enjoyable. I could see few white collars chit chatting while drinking... probably talking about the working day and issues. Two Indian man drinking, in silent, pretty enjoying the joy from alcohol... leaving behind the reasons for it... And we were the only couple, having few hours private time before going home.



Germany bierhaus is a definite place for German sausages. And we love sausages! Not being able to recognize and differentiate the difference in sausages, we ordered a combo for two. It serves five different sausages, all cooks in different way... also mashed potato and salad. We like grill sausage, good taste and texture... while steam sausage is too soft for us. Of course, different type goes well with different sauces and we were offered four types of sauces as shown in the picture. I will make sure I remember all the different types and names when I come next time.



Sausages must go with beer, and Jo got his favourite Hoegaarden. I decided to get ice lemon tea, bearing in mind that alcohol maybe harmful to Jayden. Still, I sipped two sips of Jo's Hoegaarden and I understood why it is his favourite. It is so smooth and not as gassy as Carlsberg or Heineken!

I will revisit this bistro in the future... for the beer, for the sausages, for the atmostphere and for the feel...... The Keg Bierhaus!

Big Toe

Jayden was lying on the bed, lifting both hands and legs. He was moving his body left and right, his back was slightly higher... He was trying to hold on his legs. He made it at last and was in such a posture for a very long time. I realised it because he was unusually quiet, and I found that he was looking at his right foot. To be exact, he was looking at his right toe!



Poor Jayden! His sleeping suit is too small for him until his big toe comes out from the bottom. However, he seems to be amazed by his big toe. For him, it is such a big achievement to be able to torn his sleeping suit... in such a cute manner! He was looking at his big toe the rest of the night until he fall asleep.

I wonder how interesting a big toe could be. To me, it is a message: IT'S TIME TO BUY NEW SLEEPING SUIT FOR YOUR SON!!!

Great artist at home

Jayden got a drawing board from his 1 year old birthday. He didn't show much interest when we showed it to him. This became one of his favourites later when he found the fun of it.



We keep all toys in a box, and now he always pick this up first. He will drew something using the drawing stick, then move the round and square chops round the board. He is expert in handling those things. He normally doesn't spend much time on it, but once he is doing it, he is very serious until he completes the drawing.



This is one of his drawings... From a 1 year old boy, I think this is nice!

New jersey for little Kop

The Kop bought new jersey for little Kop after Liverpool's sponsor changed to Standard Chartered. Red striking jersey with name and number printed behind.



Kid jersey set comes with jersey, matching pants and socks. It is still a bit big for Jayden but should be fine after few months time. We can't wait to put it on him immediately upon receiving the parsel from UK. He seems excited too! I think Jo has successfully introduced him to football and Liverpool. He gets excited when he sees a ball, and able to pronounce ball clearly. He laughs out loud when Jo is doing heading and wants to be part of the play. He is able to sit with Jo to watch football match... And he is wearing Liverpool jersey. I'm not sure about future but at least he is a little Kop now... haha!



Jo was wondering what number to be printed behind the jersey and asked me for opinion. After thinking through, I suggested number 7. Mummy is number 10 for obvious reason given by daddy, and little Kop is number 7 because he was borned in July. Somehow I find number 7 suits Jayden a lot, for no reason. He is the number 7 boy to me.

Thanks Yaya!

I am finally convinced to get weekly cleaning service for our house. Jo prefers to spend more money in exchange of having more time for both of us. He made a right decision to convince me, and I made a right decision to be convinced!

My maid, Yaya will come every Sunday morning at around 6:30am. Jayden will normally wake up at around 10am. This means I have three and a half hours 'personal time'. For someone who has small kids will know what that means and how precious it is. Without the maid, I don't have the excuse and won't bother to wake up so early. Despite of waking up earlier than working days, I am still very happy and looking for it every week.

I will normally do laundry and prepare porridge for Jayden before the maid arrives. Then slowly enjoy my breakfast and get on to the net. If not, I can do some reading which I can never be able to do so if Jayden is around. By the time the little fellow wakes up, I have completed all I have to do and fully recharged. And that will last me for the following one week.

I insist of not having a maid that stays in the same house. But I don't mind to have a maid who comes weekly and go. Life is so much easier now and I have more time for myself!! Of course, the best part is day is still long after the maid goes. Everything is done and I have all day with my boys!!

Wild ass

I was reading the due diligence report provided by our external consultant one day and......

... the Project area is located near the Wild Ass Sanctuary... mainly harbours the endangered wild ass sub-species Indian Wild Ass...

Clearly enough it is a kind of animal, but what is it? I find the name owesome.

Checking out Wikipedia: The Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) also called khur, is a subspecies of the Onager native to Southern Asia. The coat is usually sandy, but varies from reddish grey, fawn, to pale chestnut. The animal possesses an erect, dark mane which runs from the back of the head and along the neck. The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe running along the back, to the root of the tail...

I still can't quite figure out what is it...



Now I know... it actually looks like donkey / horse. Cute animal with an owesome name...... Didn't expect to pick up this by doing a wind power project, cool!

Lucky me

Nowadays are busy days... The past one month was the busiest time since I came back from maternity. My daily routine was reading contracts, mark up contracts, reading term sheets, mark up term sheets, updating financial model, conference calls, replying emails...... on and on and on, never ending~~~ Not only me, the whole project team is working like a dog, and everyday back home like a log!

There was one night when Jayden woke up at around 3am and refused to sleep. So we had a night talk, the first time! We both lied on the bed, face to face, and I started telling him what happened in the day and how tired I was. I didn't expect him to really listen to me, instead I expected him to fall asleep because I was telling him something happened in the adult world. I thought he may find it boring. But, he looked into my eyes quietly and listened to me. The entire conversation was nearly one hour, and he didn't show a single sign of sleepiness or boredom. He was really listening to me! And he came to sayang me at the end of the conversation! I was tired but happy to have such a nice talk with him. He is such a nice boy...

I am lucky because I have a great mum to take care of Jayden in the day, and have a great husband to take care of Jayden in the night before I came home. I also have an understanding boy in the midnight... ha!

子乐抓周

子乐已经满周岁了，是时候给他举行一个“抓周”仪式了！

抓周，顾名思义是在小孩满周岁时进行。抓周用的每项物品代表不同的职业和意义。以前的人都根据小孩抓周时所抓物品来了解小孩的未来。我们给子乐的抓周仪式准备了九样东西：



一、毛笔 代表书法家、艺术家、文人、文职工作
二、筷子 代表厨师、饭店业者
三、书本 代表会读书，适合做学者、专家
四、鞋子 代表旅行家、探险家
五、计算机代表商人、会计师
六、字典 代表文学家或律师
七、面霜 代表从事美容业
八、尺子 代表制定法律者、革命家、设计师、建筑师
九、钱币 代表将来会很富有



子乐对每一样东西都很感兴趣，每一样东西都要碰一下才开心。如果说抓周代表小孩的未来，那子乐应该会从事多种行业，哈哈！这样看来，他应该会读书，将来会做学者或专家。然后再改行做艺术家，接着做厨师或饭店业者，也有可能会开一下美容院或发廊。过后觉得生活太枯燥乏味，于是决定做个旅行家到处探险。



这一次抓周的重点是：子乐将来会很富有，因为钱是他抓得最久也研究得最认真的一项物品。哈哈。。。

抓周蛮好玩的！至于子乐的未来是否犹如抓周显示的那样，只能拭目以待了。。。

My botak head

Everyone got to see my botak head!! Jayden is botak now......

I remember we shaved him once when he was about 2 months old. He was very chubby and fat, and his face looked even rounder when he was without his hair. My friend said he looked like a little buddha, and I agreed!


My little buddha




Now my little buddha has grown up. A lot of people say he looks more like an european baby because he has soft, light brown and curly hair. He got the first two from Jo, and last one from me. Tomorrow will be his first birthday, I think today is a good day for a new image...

We were quite worry because Jayden is an active boy, and he doesn't like people touching his head. My plan was to make him sleep before the shave so that the hairdresser can do whatever she wants.

Jayden fall asleep in the car when we were on our way to the saloon. I was happy to see that and got the hairdresser to start work immediately. Jayden woke up when we were about 75% done, and he didn't create any trouble for the hairdresser to complete the remaining 25%. I guess we worried too much earlier. Jayden is a big boy now! And he was quite happy when he saw his new image in the mirror.


A closer look...



Jo and my mum can't stop laughing when they see him botak. He smiles when people around him laughing, that makes him looks cuter. And I enjoy looking at his new image, clean and nice.



I seriously think that he looks nicer with botak. My little buddha now turns into a handsome little boy.

Shah Alam Water Park

It is time for a great fun - the 2nd family outing! This time is Family Day organized by my company, at Shah Alam Water Park. It is much smaller than Sunway Lagoon Water Park, but I think it is more suitable for kids.


This was taken after the entrance. The photographer was good, caught the moment when Jayden raised his hand to say hi.


Jayden was in his slightly over sized swimming suit. He has never been to a big water pool like that before. He was excited and happy!


Look at his face... Maybe he was wondering why I could enjoy taking his photo so much while he enjoyed more in the water.


This was taken in another pool. He was holding Jo's hands. Instead of Jo leading him, he was leading Jo to places he wanted. I found him enjoying a lot, and we enjoyed too.


I was standing outside the pool, holding the camera. He took Jo's hands as support and walked towards me. He knew mummy was taking photo, and he wanted to have a shoot! Haha... and guess what? He fall asleep soon after this while still in the pool. He must be too tired...

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Jayden~~~

It is Jayden's first birthday, a meaningful one for everyone in the family! We had a simple birthday party one week before the actual day and invited families and friends to share our joy.


0900 AM
A simple "1st Birthday" wording to decorate our house... Jo hung this all around the house, under almost all downlights. We also decorated the window with similar design... Jayden was quite fascinated by it when it moves while the fan turned on.


1000 AM
To save the work, we ordered catering from Splendid Caterers. This was taken before the event started. I think they did a very good job!


1230 PM
Cake cutting session! There were too many cameras and we couldn't identify which was which... I think Jayden was the best, he only focused on his birthday cake, ha!


1800 PM
Jayden just woke up from a good afternoon nap. He looked a bit blur infront of all his birthday presents and angpows. He managed to give us a smile when we took this photo...

Happy birthday my boy! Daddy and mummy love you~

Sit to piss!

I found this from a public ladies, another funny notice!


I think this is only applicable to women as gentlemen generally stand to piss. Well, we all know that public washroom can be very dirty and smelly because Malaysians do not have good toilet-ing habit. This is why women do not sit on toilet bowl to piss. But I can't imagine how can women stand to piss, maybe it is referring to half standing.

Out of curiosity, I tried to surf the website Toilet Etiquette but showed "Host not found". I guess someone just trying to be funny...

梦想煮

我喜欢煮！这样的陈述似乎缺乏说服力，就连我妈都不会相信。因为我不常煮，我妈只吃过我煮的快熟面和喝过我泡的三合一即溶咖啡。比较有可能相信的是我的老公，不知道他是有幸还是不幸，因为他是这世上吃过最多我准备的食物的人。

有些是第一次尝试，依据自己的普通常识和记忆中妈妈的做法来煮的，味道还不错！仔细想想，虽然我不常煮，但我还是可以煮出摆得进口的食物，吃的人也安然无事，这也算是一个小成就吧？我在过去多少个周休都想下手煮一煮，但是天时地利人合都不站在我这边，所以作罢。

我有一个梦想厨房：空间要宽敞明亮、空气流通；色调要白色的地砖、白色的墙、暗红色的橱柜和黑色的工作台；设备要煎炸炒蒸炖烘所需用具样样齐全。我还需要很多的时间上我喜欢的烹饪课，试验和改善每一道菜的煮法和味道。。。

可能要等子乐再大一点，我才可以好好进行我喜欢的这一个项目吧！

1 year 35 weeks and 2 days

I was 35 weeks and 2 days pregnant, couldn't wait to see Jayden. I was admiring the two rompers Vincent bought for him... To pee or not to pee?

Today, Jayden has been with me for 1 year 35 weeks and 2 days: first 35 weeks and 2 days in my tummy and following 1 year by my side. Jo and I brought him to this world, and he brought us to parenthood and a new chapter of life. He is growing and learning everyday, so do Jo and I.

I noticed changes he has made and I love those changes! He changes my life, he changes people and things around me... There are so wonderful and lovely!


Taken by Jason Ng Yan Fu

空间由大变小，因为填满了子乐的家具和用品；
色调由黑白变缤纷，因为填满了子乐的玩具和彩色故事书；
氛围由宁静变喧哗，因为填满了子乐的笑声和哭闹声。。。
小手拉大手，我们一起体验子乐带了的改变 – 幸福快乐的改变。

Photoshooting for my 11 months old

On 26 June 2010, Saturday ~
Jayden was just 11 months, exactly one month before his 1 year old birthday. We woke him up earlier than any other days, dressed him in his new blue strips romper. Everything was ready the night before, his toys, spare clothes, pampers, drinking water...

By 0900, we arrived at Lake Garden, Kuala Lumpur. We decided to make him a photo album as birthday present, and there we were for the photo shooting.


Taken by Jason Ng Yan Fu

It was a tiring session, more tiring than our wedding photo shooting. But looking at the result, it is worth doing!

Jason, thanks for taking such beautiful photos for Jayden. We love it!

Baby sleeping

Sleeping is a luxury ever since Jayden came to this world. I should be happy if I can take an hour afternoon nap with him when I am off from work, or he can back to sleep quickly when he wakes up during mid night, not to mention the number of times he wakes up.

I wanted to build up a good night sleeping habit for Jayden, but I was not very determined and consistent. Partly because I'm still breastfeeding and by allowing him to suck my nipple, I can continue sleeping while he is doing comfort sucking. And he normally falls to sleep thereafter. This is the best, fastest and least energy solution to make him quiet immediately, especially when I am very tired and have little energy to deal with him during mid night.

Jo has been telling me benefits of having baby sleeping through the night, showing me articles and things like that. Finally, I decided to really do something, for the sake of everyone!

I started it when he turned to 11 months, which was few days ago. I set a bed time routine for him: breasfeeding time - play time - story book time - sleep. I breastfeed him before all other routines so he won't link my breast to sleep, means no more comfort sucking for him. He needs to learn how to soothe and comfort himself and back to sleep when he wakes up during mid night.

First night, I followed the bed time routine then I said night-night, sleep-sleep, sweet dream (the three magic terms) to him and switched off all lights. He lied on the bed, playing his fingers, came to me few times then lied back on bed. I sang lullaby, kiss him when he came to me... He fell asleep after half an hour. He woke up three hours later, as usual, crying and couldn't fall back to sleep by his own. I didn't breastfeed him but talked to him softly, carried him and sang him lullaby. I used longer time than before to make him back to sleep.

Second night, the same bed time routine and the same three magic terms. He fell asleep in less than half an hour. He woke up three hours later, then back to sleep after I talked to him. No carrying and no lullaby. I was surprised!

Following nights, he fell asleep without me singing lullaby. He wakes up once during mid night and back to sleep faster without much effort from me. Then woke up around 6am - 7am for his morning meal. He slept for a while after I breastfed him and woke up again at around 8am before we went to work. I found him more cheerful than before!

Things are working out gradually. I am confident that my boy will be able to sleep through the night soon. And that will be the time to move him to his room. I think sleeping will not be luxurious anymore!

I say YES to low-carbon life

I received my pledge bottle today! To know what is it? Read my previous post My pledge to Mother Earth.


My colleague already put in some red beans as enrourangement before he handed it to me. I added two green beans to evidence my efforts, only those that I find very difficult to achieve will be recorded in the bottle:
One for not taking lift but staircase to office yesterday;
another for not turning on air-cond as early as before.

Please love our environment. Please love our mother earth.
I already said YES to low-carbon life! When is your turn?

My pledge to Mother Earth

I came across a Pledge Program lately from my colleague, who is actively promoting to others about low-carbon life. I decided to take the pledge and signed the form.

This was actually launched by Sin Chew Newspaper earlier in March this year and is greatly supported and widely promoted by a voluntary group - Save Great Mother: Go Veg! Be Green! I find it meaningful...

Out of the 12 steps suggested in the pledge form, I have selected 11 to conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint in my daily life:

1. Control air-conditioners’ temperature: Set the temperature at 26-28 degree and ensure that the cool air is not let out by keeping windows and doors closed when the air-conditioner is switched on. Minimize the usage of air-conditioner, open windows and enjoy the fresh air whenever possible.

2. Turn off lights and other electrical appliances when not in use. Remove unnecessary / extra florescent lights or light bulbs at home / workplace.

3. Use energy saving light bulbs and electrical appliances. Replace tungsten light bulbs with compact fluorescent/ energy saving bulbs.

4. Reduce / limit the frequency of and the amount of water used for shower and car wash.

5. Walk instead of taking escalators or lifts: use the stairs at my home and workplace.

6. Drive less: Take public transport whenever I can. Reduce times of driving alone, or do not drive for at least once per week.

7. More vegetables, less meat: Be a vegetarian for a day per week or a meal per day. I will order only the amount of food I can consume.

8. Bring along with me my food container, cup, cutleries and reusable bags. Refrain from buying and consuming bottled water. Refrain from using disposable items.

9. Make full use of both sides of printing papers. Use handkerchief instead of tissue papers.

10. Reduce one hour of TV or PC or net-surfing time per day. I will spend more time with my family instead.

11. Recycle used papers, metal cans, plastic containers and bags, and glass.

The one that I didn't select is to dedicate 3 minutes daily prayer or contemplation for the well-being of the earth. But I added one to make my total pledge to 12: To reduce the usage of disposable diaper and use reusable diaper as much as possible.

My colleague will create a bottle to evidence my pledge. I will add a green bean into the bottle when I have really practised my pledge, and a red bean when I have successfully passed this message to someone. I have added a green bean into my bottle today as I use staircase instead of lift just now.

It is not difficult to love Mother Earth. I believe small effort from everyone can make a big change to our living planet, and create a great place for our future generation.

Please love our environment. Please love our mother earth.
Take your pledge now!!!

Search "Save Great Mother: Go Veg! Be Green! " from Facebook to know more about this voluntary group.

Other related Green Environment posts:
Say YES to "No plastic bag day"
Say "NO" to plastic bags

Say hi to 30s

Say good bye to 20s, say hi to 30s!

I have never kept my age as secret. I think it is not a big deal to get older everyday because that's what everyone must and will go through, no exception nor exemption! And your are right, I am 30! So what?!

I think women in 30s the best! We are overall financially stable, mentally matured and physically healthy. We have spare money to pamper ourselves, are open to new and exciting things and healthy to travel. I think it is nice to be in 30s.

Jo and Jayden had a simple birthday celebration for me...



Jayden: yi~yi~wa~ah~~~
(not sure he is wishing me happy birthday or asking for a piece of cake. I will assume the earlier one ;p)

Jo: Dear, happy birthday!

Yes! Happy Birthday to Fion!!!
Welcome to 30s~~~~~~~~

A baby is an angel...

"A baby is an angel whose wings decrease as his legs increase"
~ Anonymous

My baby is growing......

I was packing some of Jayden 'out of size' clothes the other day. When I looked at his smaller size clothes compare to what he is wearing today, my heart was saying "Oh my god... this little fellow is growing up very fast!"



These four sleeping suits of him show how he grows: from the very left (new born) to the very right (wearing today). To me, it's almost out of sudden!!

Just imagine a working mother who works everyday and spends only few hours with her son before she goes to work and after she is back from work. She actually spends more time in the office than with her son. One day, when she is free to really look at her son, he already standing upright in front of her, showing her all the new tricks he has learned...... I'm lucky I'm not exactly like one of these mothers, but I definitely missed some of his very moments when I'm at work.